Overview & Reviews

Larger and more luxurious than the average midsize family sedan, the Hyundai Azera slots between the Sonata and Genesis sedans in Hyundai's lineup. It provides impressive interior room, features and power for a price that's thousands less than many competing vehicles. Buyers who have owned a domestic full-size sedan in the past and are looking for a new vehicle will want to check out the Hyundai Azera. It prioritizes comfort, luxury, safety and value, and is well-suited both for commuting and long-distance trips.

Current Hyundai Azera
The Azera comes in base and Limited trim levels. Both are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower. The only transmission offered is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control, which routes power to the front wheels.

Even the base Azera comes with keyless ignition/entry, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Hyundai's BlueLink emergency communications and a six-speaker audio system. The Limited adds xenon headlamps, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory settings, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an upgraded surround-sound audio system and a navigation system. Limited buyers may add bigger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors and window sunshades.

In reviews we've been impressed with the Hyundai Azera's overall competence. The potent V6 provides swift acceleration and good fuel economy, while the six-speed automatic provides smooth, if somewhat leisurely, shifts. The suspension is clearly tuned for optimal ride comfort, though handling doesn't suffer noticeably, as there's none of the floaty feeling one might associate with large sedans. Overall, the roomy Azera is quite impressive and is an excellent choice for a comfortable, upscale large sedan.

Used Hyundai Azera Models
The Hyundai Azera was redesigned for 2012. Compared to the first-generation Azera, it's considerably more stylish and boasts more power, as well as a higher-quality interior. Not much has changed since, though for its first two years this Azera came in only one, loaded trim level.

The first-generation Azera was produced from 2006-'11. It was generally regarded as a decent, well-rounded large sedan. There were a number of changes throughout the car's run, however, so we'd advise paying attention to specific years if you're considering one from this era. This Azera was offered in three trim levels: GLS, SE and Limited. The GLS and SE came pretty well equipped; the main options were leather seating and a premium sound system. The Limited had those features as standard, along with additional equipment. A navigation system was optional for the Limited in the car's latter years.

At its debut, the Azera GLS was powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produced 234 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque. The Azera SE and Limited sported a 3.8-liter V6 that made 263 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard on all Azeras.

As for changes, the GLS received more standard features in 2008 and essentially replaced the SE. Satellite radio, a navigation system and the surround-sound system also joined the 2008 features list. For 2009, the Azera's steering and suspension were revised, while different interior lighting, a new grille and an iPod/USB audio jack were welcome additions. For the final model year, Hyundai upped the power output to 260 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque for the GLS, and 283 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque for the Limited. The transmission was also upgraded to six speeds. Fuel economy was also up, so if you can swing a 2011 Azera, it's likely the pick of the litter.

In editorial reviews, we typically found the Azera's awkwardly tall seating position as one of its main liabilities. But overall we found much more praise-worthy attributes in the form of its excellent interior design and materials, refined and quiet ride, powerful V6, strong brakes, roomy backseat and value for the money.

User Reviews:

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  worth every penny - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By AIBRA - April 16 - 8:47 pm

  Best value in its class (large sedan). Smooth and responsive. Very well finished in and out. Long list of safety and luxury features. Comfortable, and relatively quiet. No regrets, Id buy it again and again.

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  Azera - Great car at any price - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Doug Smith - April 14 - 12:40 pm

  The Azera is the quitest car I have ever driven. Great get up and go with the quite 3.8L V6. Great styling and smooth lines. everything is in easy reach of the driver.

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  one month review (7000 km) - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By altaazera - April 5 - 9:35 pm

  nice to look at fun to drive lots of excellent features for price problem with michelin tires having flat spots and shimmy. seats not as comfortable as 1999 volvo xc

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  Azera 2006 - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Azera - April 1 - 5:36 am

  A sporty exterior with good road view. Interior well constructed and at speeds of 70-80 miles per hour the car is quiet and stable. Breaking is smooth.

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  replace my bmw 540i - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By bruce r upchurch - March 21 - 2:50 am

  Car is fast and fun to drive, Loaded with features my bmw had half the price. Overall love the azera.

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  Noisy Front Strut - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By earllex - March 19 - 11:00 pm

  My vehicle has a noisy right front strut, that is quite noticeable on bumps and rough roads. 2 attempts by dealer to correct has failed. Attempting arbitration to resolve issue.

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  Drive to Impress....AWESOME! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ramadan - March 19 - 2:52 pm

  After doing some serious research I was narrowed to the Toyota Camry XLE, BWM 525 and the Mercedes C240. However, for the most bang-for-the- buck its been the AZERA hands down. The interior appointments are much finer, the handling superior incl. cornering and agile.

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  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Earl Stout - March 16 - 7:48 pm

  The best car for the money I have owned. Previous vehicles owned have been models from Nissan, Honda, Volkswagon, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Oldsmobile, Fiat (Fix It Again Tony), and Pontiac. The Hyundai Azera is fun to drive, economical and has elicited raves from gas station attendants, car wash operators, and passersby.

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  Gotta Love it - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By boston - March 15 - 11:58 am

  I bought my Azera in Feb 06 and I love it. Ride, performance, reliability is fantastic. Truly a rich car for low price. Tested the big 3,Avalon,BMW and Lexas and found the Azera to be as good if not better and for 5 to 8 Thousand less you cant beat it. The only draw back is the mileage is not as stated, only 13 or 14 mpg city. Since the Azera is computer controlled for gas you have to have more highway then city to keep your average up to 18mpg. Take a long ride after filling the tank and your miles to empty will move up to 373+ and your city mileage will increase to 18+. Anyone who passes up on purchasing the Azera is missing out on the best car of this decade. Im totally satisfied.

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  Beats Avalon, Maxima and Accura - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Lee - March 8 - 12:43 am

  Unbelievabe interior and trunk room. Engine looks like work of art. Passing on highway is superb. Sound sytem is beter than many Japanese. Heated mulitple adjustment seats very supportive. Brakes are very reassuring. Fold down back seat and large trunk opening accomodate long wide items. Gas milage is always at 19 in city.